With a unique mix of fascinating displays, the latest technology and hands-on activities, there is lots for your family to explore and discover across Colchester + Ipswich Museums. Explore the national story of Roman and Norman conquest, Boudiccan revolt and Civil War at Colchester Castle. Find out about wildlife habitats, biodiversity and climate change at the nearby Natural History Museum.
See a changing programme of local and touring exhibitions, featuring art, museum collections and more at Ipswich Art Gallery. Immerse yourself in over 500 years of history in the stunning Tudor Mansion, set within Christchurch Park. With a unique mix of fascinating displays, the latest technology and hands-on activities, there is lots for your family to explore and discover across Colchester Museums' three sites.
See a changing programme of local and touring exhibitions, featuring art, museum collections and more at Ipswich Art Gallery. Immerse yourself in over 500 years of history in the stunning Tudor Mansion, set within Christchurch Park. With a unique mix of fascinating displays, the latest technology and hands-on activities, there is lots for your family to explore and discover across Colchester Museums' three sites.
Services
Their expertise spans a range of fields from exhibition design to collections documentation, curation and learning to administration. Our Visitor Services team bring the venues to life, while our conservators restore and protect the collections for future generations.
As employees of Colchester Borough Council, museum staff enjoy a range of benefits, from flexible working to travel discounts, generous annual leave to professional development opportunities.As a joint museums service across Colchester and Ipswich, our aim is for everyone who works with us to feel welcome, supported and represented.
As employees of Colchester Borough Council, museum staff enjoy a range of benefits, from flexible working to travel discounts, generous annual leave to professional development opportunities.As a joint museums service across Colchester and Ipswich, our aim is for everyone who works with us to feel welcome, supported and represented.
Check out our growing library of activities inspired by the collections, to help educate and entertain. We want to showcase the variety of roles in museums, as well as the exciting work our staff do. Memory Boxes are great way to interact with a family member, social group or in a care home. Find out more about some of the different projects Colchester + Ipswich Museums have delivered.
The museums wouldn't exist without our incredible team and we want to showcase the exciting work those staff do. We also work with a range of partners, from funders to educators, other museums to community groups. With their support, we are able to do so much more for our visitors and share new stories from the collections.
Everybody should have the opportunity to be inspired by our museums. We are committed to supporting that, which means listening to our visitors and continually finding ways to improve. If you cannot find the answers you are looking for, please contact our Access Champions on 01206 282939 or email museums@colchester.gov.uk and they will be happy to help.
Colchester + Ipswich Museums have delivered countless projects and exhibitions over the years. Heritage and arts organisations from across the country explored how they were engaging and sharing ownership with communities. From Bronze Age torcs to modern bling, people have adorned themselves with jewellery for thousands of years.
Reviews (13)
Nik N.
Apr 20, 2017
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Norman W.
Oct 28, 2012
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A great few hours out. The main museum shows the history of Colchester from pre-Roman to today. Exceptionally good if you have kids with 'hands-on' exhibits. We have visited the Castle a couple of times and, for the price, gives a wonderful few hours of 'education'.
Today, as a bonus, there was a exhibit of fantastic Chinese objects. On loan from Nanjing museum. The jade was exquisite.
I advise anyone in the area to give it an hour or two. You will not be disappointed.
Today, as a bonus, there was a exhibit of fantastic Chinese objects. On loan from Nanjing museum. The jade was exquisite.
I advise anyone in the area to give it an hour or two. You will not be disappointed.
Qype User Darren
Dec 21, 2011
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Qype User D.-Ameg
Jul 11, 2011
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Qype User Joekri
Sep 30, 2010
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Qype User Mboyl
Jan 21, 2009
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Qype User Mummys
Jan 16, 2009
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Qype User Glitte
Nov 19, 2008
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Qype User Scouti
Nov 17, 2008
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Colchester Castle is a well-known Roman/Norman fortification set amongst pleasant gardens near the town centre. Once inside the castle, you are presented with a series of exhibits. However, unlike many other museums, many of the artefacts on show have been found in the local area, giving them a certain importance and interest to locals as well as tourists. If you go with a group, you can be given a guided tour of the castle, including the dungeons and upper level. However, without such a guide, it is often tempting to skip exhibits or even parts of the castle itself. Therefore, I am giving 3 stars
Qype User Boxing
Nov 17, 2008
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Qype User Leannn
Nov 17, 2008
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The castle museum is both educational and entertaining. There is a lot to be learnt about the interesting past of Colchester as well as having fun with many workshops and videos. It's situated in Castle Park which has truly beautiful scenery including a roman wall, and is brilliant for kids in the summer as there's a bouncy castle and refreshments, as well as two parks. Also the castle itself is fascinating, and wonderfully designed, even with a tree on the roof (strangely enough). Watch out for the castle museum during the summer for it's themed days/nights where everyone dresses
Qype User MissBe
Nov 16, 2008
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This castle is perfect for school trips, particularly for primary age children. The Castle Museum is heavily geared towards education and provides worksheets and tours for school children. It's worth going on the tour of the dungeons to get a feel for life in the past. It is probably the most natural part of the castle. The museum areas have, of course, been refurbished. It's an ideal day trip for children and grandparents to reflect on the past and to boost the curiosity of young people. The shop is also worth a visit at Christmas for its excellent range of gifts.
Qype User Dors
Nov 14, 2008
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Colchester castle is sited in the oldest recorded Roman town in England - originally called Camulodunum. The castle itself is fully watertight and houses a lovely museum, that manages to work with its surroundings ie. the diplays do not cover the bare walls and a picnic area is set aside, again in the confines of a walled area. There are knowledgable people on hand to help and discuss things with and lots of different levels to explore, There are also dungeon/cellar tours and this is one of the most interesting parts of the place - very well worth doing. The view from the top of the castle is excellent
